1 Timothy. 67 A. D., from Macedonia ( 1 :3). Paul's last group of letters-1 Timothy, Titus, 2 Timothy—called "pastoral epistles" because written to Timothy and Titus in their official capacities. Closing years of Paul's life obscure, but this epistle written between first and second Roman imprisonments. After first imprisonment (61-63) was free to do missionary work: Ephesus (1 Tim. 1:3) ; Philippi (Phil. 2:24) ; Colossie (Phil. 1:22) ; Crete (Titus 1:3) Nicopolis (Titus 3:12) ; Troas (2 Tim. 4:13) ; Macedonia (1 Tim. 1:13). Paul arrested again, and imprisoned at Rome, where suffered martyrdom. Burning Rome, falsely charged to Christians, brought terrible persecution. Paul, going to Macedonia, left faithful fellow worker Timothy in charge of church at Ephesus, intending to return. Fearing delay, he sends this pastoral letter to Timothy, Paul's favorite missionary helper (1 Cor. 16:10), subsequently sent on delicate missions—to Thessalonica, Corinth, Rome, et cetera. Converted at Lystra on Paul's first missionary journey. On second journey, six years later, taken by Paul because well versed in Scripture, and gifted. Companion on second missionary journey (51-54). Associated in salutations to Thessalonians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon. Church had increased in number. Questions of church order or government, soundness in faith, and discipline increasingly important. At first, apostles regulated matters personally, but as departure drew near, necessary that clear counsel be recorded for guidance. Key phrase: "That thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God." Rich treasury of practical instruction. Paul's concern over Gnosticism, sweeping over Western Asia, here again evident. Perhaps was in a more developed form, with a stronger Jewish accent, either Pharisaic or Essenic. In Revelation, John describes same errors and dangers in Ephesus, and warns against. Paul, absent several years, unable to give continuous instruction. Presents here the fact and force of sin, and presence and power of God to save.
(Contested by modern critics, but never any doubt in ancient church as to genuineness.)
Titus. 67 A. D., from Macedonia, probably Corinth or Nicopolis. Addressed to Paul's Gentile convert (Gal. 2:3), originally from Antioch. With him at Jerusalem council (Gal. 1:1-5) ; accompanied him on third missionary tour. Used to straighten out difficulties at Corinth (2 Cor. 8:6), and Crete. Strangely, not mentioned in Acts. Paul had been to Crete with Titus (1:5), and was on way to Nicopolis. 3:12. Both Titus and 1 Timothy may have been written at same time. Zenas and Apollos bearers of letter. 3:12. Church at Crete probably founded by persons who were in Jerusalem at Pentecost. Acts 2:11. Paul at Crete in 61, before first Roman imprisonment. Titus left in Crete to complete apostle's work, to superintend affairs in important churches, which were disturbed by false teachers whose motive was gain. Fruit on Jewish side was revival of Rabbinism, not Gnosticism. Position of Titus in Crete similar to that of Timothy in Ephesus. Crete largest island in Mediterranean, 140 by 50 miles in extent. Densely populated. Many Jews. Had bad reputation, being noted for falsehood, bestiality, and idleness—a most corrupting environment. Churches not well organized nor supervised. Letter, though personal, chiefly on ecclesiastical themes. As with 1 Timothy, concerned principally with order in the churches. Meets issue by reaffirming first principles of gospel and church government, and stressing selection of qualified leaders.
(Attested by twelve early witnesses.)
II Timothy. 68 A. D., from Rome. Touching farewell epistle, written from Roman dungeon shortly before martyrdom (1:8, 12). Tells why Paul failed to return to Ephesus. Last words from the apostle inspiration has preserved for us. Apparently first appeal to C2esar had been successful, so was released from first imprisonment, which was not severe. Enemies had again arrested him, probably at Nicopolis. Nero had now turned against Christians. Informers were encouraged to bring charges. Romans as well as Jews now hostile to Paul. Had no hope of release (4:18). No witnesses to defend him (4:16). Perilous to visit him now. All companions gone save Luke (3:11). Weighed down with sense of weariness, loneliness, and desertion. Urges Timothy to come to him before winter sets in, and to bring Mark for comfort and sympathy in lonely prison (4:9, 21). Describes deplorable physical condition, but asserts personal triumph through Christ Jesus.
Encourages Timothy to continue combating false teachings. The apostle is concerned with the personal walk and testimony of the true servant of Christ in day of developing apostasy and declension, as indicated by "all they which are in Asia be turned away from me" (1:15). Looks with steady gaze and undimmed faith into future. Caesar, the executioner's ax and block, drop out of view, and the glorious hope of Christ's appearing fills the scene. Forms fitting closing picture. Nowhere does noble manhood stand forth more sharply. Contains pastoral charge of greatest preacher of gospel in history. Primarily for Timothy, but equally applicable to all ministers and congregations in Christian church through the centuries. Paul, marching between file of Roman soldiers, was, according to tradition, beheaded on Ostian Road, just outside of Rome, in early summer of 68 A. D., and buried on spot.
(Ten strong witnesses to authenticity of epistle.)
L. E. F.
